Chapter 5: Sudden Change in the Teahouse

The court meeting ended, and the bad political influence had just begun.

Out of the main hall, Emperor Tianyuan's body was trembling.

A sudden defeat announced the failure of the military reform he led.

No one cares about the process; everyone will only see the defeat of the new army trained by the emperor, and all the brilliant achievements previously achieved have been wiped out.

There was no trouble in the court, that was because the officials had just received the news and couldn't react in time.

Once the connection was completed, the groups whose interests were damaged in the reform would inevitably take action.

Not only would the military reform be criticized, but all previous reform measures would also be questioned.

"Your Majesty, take care of your dragon body!"

The big eunuch Zuo Guang'en, who was following him, advised.

"Rest assured, I can draw a two-stone bow; a little setback can't knock me down.

Pass the decree to summon the cabinet ministers and all the nobles to discuss matters.

Guang'en, no need to accompany me; such a thing has happened, the court will inevitably set off a storm, you go and handle it first!

Remember, send the factory guards to investigate the process of the defeat; this matter is too unusual.

I don't believe that Duan Wenhong would not find someone to check the weather before leading troops to fight.

Even if he doesn't understand astronomy, there are so many veteran generals in the army, someone should have reminded him that firearms need to be waterproof!"

Emperor Tianyuan said while suppressing his anger.

"Your Majesty, please rest assured.

This matter, the old slave will definitely investigate it clearly and will not let go of any suspicious person!"

Zuo Guang'en immediately stated his position.

This defeat will seriously hit Emperor Tianyuan's monarchical prestige.

Eunuchs exist by relying on imperial power; if the emperor's authority does not exist, they, these eunuchs, will definitely be the first to suffer.

Those civil officials outside who wish they could eat them alive will definitely pounce on them first and tear them into pieces.

If the defeat at the front is a natural disaster, it's fine; if it involves human disaster, then the most intense political struggle of the Tianyuan Dynasty will be staged immediately.

In the teahouse, Li Mu, who was exploring the news, was very disappointed.

There was no shortage of information gathered from all walks of life, but it was too low-level.

The length of the east family, the shortness of the west family.

Wealth was lost here, and a widow was stealing men there.

It's okay to use it as a joke to relieve boredom, but the effective information is approximately zero.

The eight-hundred-li urgent report in the mouths of these people has almost become a myth.

"The evil dragon turning over," "The Yellow River bursting its banks," "The vassal king rebelling," they were all made up with noses and eyes, and the main thing was being imaginative.

Thinking about it, it's normal; those participating in the discussion are ordinary people, and the information in their hands is limited.

People with a little status would choose to go to the private room upstairs when they meet, rather than in the mixed hall.

The Great Dayu Dynasty does not punish people for their words, that is aimed at ordinary people, which does not mean that court officials can also talk nonsense.

"There's a fight outside!"

I don't know who shouted, and the talent of the people to watch the excitement was instantly activated, and one by one they stretched their long heads to explore outside.

"The Embroidered Uniform Guard are arresting Hu spies, idlers, move aside!"

Hearing that the Embroidered Uniform Guard were arresting spies, the crowd who were watching the excitement instantly scattered, and the scene became even more chaotic.

"Young Master Mu, let's leave too!

Involving the Embroidered Uniform Guard, there's definitely no good thing."

Fubao advised with slight embarrassment.

Coming to the teahouse was his suggestion, and he didn't expect to encounter this kind of thing just after sitting down for a while.

The law enforcement agency permitted by imperial power is an existence that can make children cry in the capital.

"What's the panic!

Arresting spies has nothing to do with us; leaving at this time is the performance of a guilty conscience.

Didn't you see that those who ran in front were blocked by people."

Li Mu said calmly.

The Embroidered Uniform Guard's fierce reputation is well-known; besides their own violent law enforcement, it is more because of the smear propaganda by civil officials.

Acting recklessly and harming loyal officials indeed exists, but it is more about acting on orders from above.

Without instructions from above, the Embroidered Uniform Guard also need to follow the rules.

Those who ignore official rules and act recklessly usually don't live long.

The noble children on the third floor can hold their breath, so naturally, he can too.

In the blink of an eye, the teahouse guests who had scattered and fled were forced back, and together with them came the "Hu spies" chased by the Embroidered Uniform Guard.

The teahouse door that had just been closed became shaky under the violent collision of these people.

"Whoosh, whoosh, whoosh," the arrow rain killed the Hu spies, but also inevitably caused accidental injuries.

Seeing this scene, Li Mu secretly greeted the whole family of the Embroidered Uniform Guard outside.

Daring to enforce the law like this right under the Emperor's nose, without even fearing they might accidentally harm imperial relatives—they are truly a bunch of greenhorns.

Without the slightest hesitation, Li Mu immediately led his retainers to retreat to the third floor, but as soon as he reached the stairs, he was blocked by people.

"Several, we are from the Zhenyuan Marquis's mansion, and this is the nephew of our master."

While reporting his family, Fubao also took out the Marquis's mansion's visiting card.

Facts have proved that mixing outside still depends on background.

Hearing the Zhenyuan Marquis's mansion, the blockers immediately split one person to go upstairs to report to the master.

"Since it's the Zhenyuan Marquis's nephew, let him come up!

However, his retainers must defend together."

The young man said casually.

It could be seen that he didn't care about the Zhenyuan Marquis, just didn't want to pull hatred for no reason.

"Your Highness, your safety is the priority..."

Before the middle-aged eunuch could finish, the young man waved his hand and interrupted: "The situation outside is too chaotic, our manpower is not enough, and it's hard to guarantee not being dragged into the water.

Moreover, the Zhenyuan Marquis has a special status; if his nephew is blocked outside and has an accident, it will also be no small trouble."

"Your Highness is right, the old slave is shallow-sighted."

The middle-aged eunuch's flattery made the young man very satisfied.

At the stairs, learning that only he was allowed to go up, Li Mu couldn't help but frown.

"Use the table as a barrier, the bench as a weapon, hold the southwest corner, and don't let outsiders get close!"

Li Mu ordered immediately.

A gentleman does not stand under a dangerous wall; the situation upstairs is unknown, and going up alone is not necessarily safer than below.

Rather than handing his fate to others, it's better to control it in his own hands.

The retainers who followed him to the capital were all elites carefully selected from the army, and every retainer had seen blood.

If it weren't for the lack of armor and weapons in his hands, this little scene would be nothing.

The defensive works had just been formed when the chaotic crowd rushed in, one by one heading straight for the third floor.

A cold light flashed, and a head rolled down from the stairs; the teahouse guest who rushed to the front paid the price of his life for his rashness.

Immediately followed by several screams, the crowd who were desperately climbing the stairs hurriedly turned around, fearing to become ghosts under the sword.

Seeing people approaching, the retainers picked up the benches and prepared to greet them.

Perhaps it was the bloody lesson just now, this time everyone became extra cautious, and when they saw the situation was not good, they hurriedly dodged.

In the blink of an eye, the Hu spies who followed closely also entered the teahouse, and a terrifying atmosphere enveloped the whole scene.

(End of chapter) ===== CHAPTER 6 =====